Purchasing a used aircraft, whether a Cirrus SR22, Cessna 172, Piper Archer, Beechcraft Bonanza, or Mooney M20, is a major investment. And like any major purchase, the details you don’t see at first glance often matter the most. That is why a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) is one of the smartest steps a buyer can take before committing to ownership.
We provide on-site maintenance support at Albany International Airport, giving aircraft owners and prospective buyers confidence when evaluating piston aircraft. Here is why a PPI should never be skipped and what you should expect from a proper inspection.
1. Logbooks Tell a Story When You Know How to Read Them
An aircraft’s logbooks are its biography. A thorough PPI includes a close look at:
- Maintenance entries
- Airworthiness directive (AD) compliance
- Major repairs or alterations
- Gaps or inconsistencies
- Engine and propeller time
- Corrosion history
- Recurrent issues or trends
Even something as small as a missing entry or vague description can signal that the aircraft’s history needs a more experienced eye. Technicians know how to spot repeating problems such as magneto issues, cylinder wear, or deferred maintenance that may not be obvious to a buyer.
A simple rule of thumb: if the records are disorganized, the aircraft usually was too.
2. Airframe Issues Can Become Expensive Surprises
It is easy to fall in love with fresh paint or updated avionics, but those cosmetic upgrades can distract from what really matters. Airframes can hide corrosion, poor repairs, worn components, or mis-rigged flight controls, especially in older Piper, Cessna, Mooney, or Beechcraft models.
A PPI helps ensure you are not inheriting hidden problems that should have been addressed years earlier.
3. Engines Reveal Their True Condition During a PPI
Engine condition is one of the biggest factors in long-term ownership costs. A proper PPI typically includes a compression check, borescope inspection, oil filter inspection for metal, review of oil analysis history, magneto timing, leak checks, and both cold and hot starts.
Cirrus SR20 and SR22 engines benefit especially from detailed borescope work. Small internal issues in a Continental IO-550 or Lycoming engine can develop quickly if left unattended.
4. Avionics Are a Major Part of Aircraft Value
Modern aircraft often carry avionics that represent a large portion of the aircraft’s total value. A PPI can identify outdated databases, intermittent screen failures, wiring concerns, autopilot malfunctions, inoperative ADS-B systems, and other problems that may not appear during a quick test flight.
One unexpected avionics repair can cost more than the entire inspection.
5. A PPI Gives You Negotiating Power
A PPI is not simply a cost. It is a negotiation tool. Findings such as cylinder wear, a propeller approaching overhaul time, corrosion repairs, gear system wear, or fuel bladder issues can help buyers negotiate a lower purchase price or require the seller to address repairs before closing the deal.
Most sellers expect this. The inspection protects your investment and ensures you have all the information before moving forward.
6. Not All PPIs Are the Same
Different aircraft have different needs. A Cirrus is not inspected the same way as a Cessna or Piper. Twins such as a Baron or DA42 require even more specialized expertise.
A qualified maintenance provider will tailor the inspection to the aircraft type. Examples include:
- Cirrus SR-series: composite considerations, CAPS history, control cable tension
- Cessna 172 and 182: corrosion-prone areas, strut condition, exhaust cracking
- Piper Cherokee and Archer: fuel system quirks, rigging, stabilator checks
- Bonanza and Baron: landing gear system, structural areas
- Mooney M20: gear rigging, fuel tank sealing, control surface travel
Choosing a shop familiar with your specific model can prevent costly oversights.
7. A PPI Costs Less Than an Unexpected Repair
A Pre-Purchase Inspection protects you from surprises after the aircraft is already yours. It ensures you understand the true condition of the aircraft, anticipate future expenses, and buy with confidence.
Whether you are purchasing your first Cessna 172, upgrading to a Cirrus SR22, or adding a Piper Archer to a training fleet, a thorough PPI is one of the most important parts of the buying process.
Thinking About Buying a Used Aircraft?
Vasi Aviation provides on-site aircraft maintenance at Albany International Airport. We support a wide range of general aviation aircraft and ensure that all training and managed aircraft receive reliable, high-quality maintenance.
If you are preparing to purchase an aircraft, scheduling a Pre-Purchase Inspection is the best first step.
Call Us to Schedule Your Pre-Purchase Inspection: 518-633-1155 EXT 107
